Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 10
The speaker argues God condemns covetousness so strongly because it was the “original sin” (Satan not satisfied), the engine of wars and thefts, and because unresolved covetousness would make heaven “eternal torment” since rewards and authority won’t be equal; how does that vision confront modern Christian commitments to equality, comfort, and “being fine as long as I’m in heaven,” and what concrete practices could train contentment now so heaven wouldn’t become “hell” to a covetous heart?
Another way to ask: He says coveting is deeply condemned because it fuels sin now and would make heaven miserable if you can’t handle unequal rewards. How does that challenge modern ideas about equality and comfort, and what habits could help you learn contentment now?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
The speaker’s vision confronts modern assumptions by saying heaven will not be equal in rewards and authority, so a covetous person would suffer there rather than enjoy it. Training contentment now means learning to be satisfied with what God gives, resisting consumer enticements, and practicing financial integrity that refuses debt-driven “more.”
- He calls covetousness the “original sin”: Satan “wasn't happy with what he had…wanted more,” and “sin entered the whole universe because one being was covetous.”
- He links covetousness to massive evil: “cause of most wars…most thefts and burglary.”
- He argues unresolved covetousness makes heaven unbearable: “heaven is going to be eternal torment…Heaven is not going to be equality.”
- He insists rewards differ: “we're not going to all get the same reward…same levels of authority,” plus angels and ranks.
- Concrete training practices he recommends include: avoiding revolving debt for non-necessities, not buying extras with money owed, resisting “whatever the world entices us to buy,” limiting ads (he gave up TV), and shopping with a list.